England turned in an underwhelming display as they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in their second group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side provided real spark at the start of the World Cup when they beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening group game and showed why they are one of the favourites.
However, the performance against Ghana was poor, and a 0-0 draw meant England are yet to book their place in the final 32 of the World Cup this summer.
Tuchel was clearly unhappy with the team’s performance, and one former Leeds player came under fire from the England manager during the game.
The England manager blasted Djed Spence during the game
Tuchel shocked everyone when he picked Djed Spence in the World Cup squad, especially after a season at Tottenham, which finished 17th in the Premier League.
The former Leeds flop started against Ghana, and like most of the England players, he produced an underwhelming performance on Tuesday evening.
Spence came under fire from Tuchel during the game for his performance, and the England manager was clearly unhappy at what he was seeing from the defender.
The England manager is seen blasting the player for his lack of movement and decision-making on the ball against Ghana.
Tuchel brought Spence into the starting eleven against Ghana. However, the performance left him underwhelmed during a crucial stage of the tournament.
England will take on Panama in the final group game on Saturday evening, where they will look to get a win and progress to the final 32.
It remains to be seen whether Spence starts against Panama after his performance against Ghana on Tuesday evening.
Two Leeds stars deserved a place in the squad ahead of the Spurs defender
Djed Spence was part of a Tottenham side that endured another difficult Premier League campaign and spent much of the season looking over their shoulder rather than pushing up the table. While he had some positive moments, he was hardly one of the division’s standout full-backs.
The defender has only recently broken into the England set-up and still has just four senior caps to his name.
If Thomas Tuchel was looking for attack-minded full-backs, there is a strong argument that Leeds United pair Jayden Bogle and James Justin deserved greater consideration. Bogle, in particular, enjoyed an excellent season and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking full-backs. Justin’s ability to play in multiple positions would also have offered England valuable flexibility.
Both players featured for a Leeds side that finished above Tottenham and, on the evidence of last season, were at least as effective going forward as Spence.
Yet players outside the traditional Premier League elite often seem to face a higher bar when it comes to international recognition. Whether fair or not, representing a club such as Leeds appears to carry less weight than playing for one of the established big-name sides, regardless of how the teams have actually performed on the pitch.
Djed Spence was a Leeds loanee from Spurs who’s loan was terminated esrly by DF because of his attitude, and lack of ability. Following last night’s abject showing he should already be on a plane back to England.